The Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore (埼玉県立歴史と民俗の博物館), established in 1971, is located in Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of Saitama Prefecture, from the Paleolithic era to the present day, with a particular focus on the Edo period (1603-1868) and the Meiji period (1868-1912).
The museum’s exhibits cover three main themes: history, folk culture, and art.
- The history section presents the evolution of Saitama Prefecture throughout different periods, highlighting key events and figures.
- The folk culture section delves into the lives and traditions of Saitama’s people, showcasing traditional crafts like silk weaving and pottery, as well as costumes and household items.
- The art section displays artworks associated with Saitama, including paintings, sculptures, and crafts.
The museum also boasts a substantial collection of archaeological artifacts, including pottery, tools, and weapons from various periods. One of the notable exhibits is a replica of an ancient burial mound, offering insights into the burial customs of Japan’s early inhabitants. Moreover, the museum houses valuable cultural properties, such as the national treasure “Tachi (sword) signed Bizen Kuni Osafune Sukesada (famous as Oo-Osafune)” and the important cultural property “Illustrated handscroll of the Kitano Tenjin Shrine.”
Designed by the renowned architect Kunio Maekawa, the museum’s modern two-story structure incorporates traditional Japanese architectural elements like wooden beams and paper screens. A spacious garden with seasonal flowers and a pond surrounds the building.
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, along with educational programs, workshops, and cultural festivals. The “Dreams and Experiences Plaza” offers hands-on activities like traditional craft-making and historical games, making the museum an engaging destination for visitors of all ages.
Getting there
By Train
- About 7 minutes walk from either “Omiya Koen Station” or “Kita-Omiya Station” on the Tobu Urban Park Line (Noda Line)
By Bus
- About 20 minutes walk from the East Exit of JR Omiya Station
By Car
- Museum parking lot: 12 spaces (next to the archery field)
- Free parking at Omiya Park is also available: 314 spaces (general), 7 spaces (for wheelchair users, etc.)
Details
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Reception closes at 4:00 PM. |
| Admission | Adults: 300 yen High school and university students: 150 yen |
| Phone | +81 48-641-0890 |
| Address | 4 Chome-219 Takahanacho, Omiya Ward, Saitama, 330-0803 |
| Official Website | https://saitama-rekimin.spec.ed.jp/English |
